PO Box 335, Carrboro, NC 27510 www.ncsongwriters.org coordinator@ncsongwriters.org

For immediate release
October 26, 2009

Contact: Jamie Anderson, Contest Director, 919-220-1910, Jamie@jamieanderson.com




Eight musicians competed in front of an audience and a panel of judges on Sunday, October 25 at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, NC. First place was awarded to Amber Darland (Bellingham, WA), second place to Valorie Miller (Asheville, NC) and third place to Andy Hackbarth (Nashville, TN). They each won a cash prize ($500 for first, $250 for second and $100 for third) plus great prizes from our sponsors including gift certificates and merchandise.

Finalists were chosen from over 130 entries and ranged from acoustic rock to bluegrass. Other finalists included Jocelyn Arem (Chapel Hill, NC), Brian Hershberger (Hillsborough, NC), Steve Hill (Statesville, NC), Ken Kiser (Black Mountain, NC), and Alex Michaud (Raleigh, NC).

Judging the competition were Cliff Bellamy (Herald-Sun), Letha Costin (2008 winner), Rhiannon Giddens (Carolina Chocolate Drops), Tess Mangum-Ocana (The ArtsCenter), and Sara Waters (Shakori Hills Festival).

The concert also featured a performance by last year’s winner Letha Costin, with her Raleigh-based band, high energy acoustic trio The Transzenders.

The North Carolina Songwriters Co-op is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the support and promotion of songwriters in the state of North Carolina. We assist new and established songwriters by providing a supportive environment, including resources for marketing and promotion, the opportunity to network with other songwriters, the chance to assist with and participate in our annual song contest, and to attend our seminars and workshops designed to enhance songwriting and performing skills. www.ncsongwriters.org

We thank our contest sponsors the Independent, Indie Bible, Indie-Music.com, Intellitouch Tuners, Music Loft Carrboro, Oasis Disc Manufacturing, Sam Ash Music, SingOut!, SonicBids, TAXI, and The ArtsCenter.

2009 Song Contest Sponsors